Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by an itch-scratch cycle. It is also referred to as lichen simplex chronicus. The condition starts as a patch of skin surface that is itchy, and the more you scratch, the itchier it becomes. As a result of the itch-scratch cycle, the affected area of the skin surface becomes leathery and thickened. At the end of it all, scratching and rubbing on the affected area becomes a habit that is hard to get rid of, which does not favor the condition at all.
Neurodermatitis is not a serious, life-threatening condition, but breaking the itching and scratching cycle can be challenging. Therefore, the main aim of treatment is usually to prevent itching and thus avoid scratching the affected skin area. Adding to that, adopting new lifestyle changes that will help ease the itch and decrease the likelihood of rubbing/scratching the affected skin surface can be helpful in managing the condition.[1]
Lifestyle Changes You Can Adopt If You Have Neurodermatitis
If you are suffering from Neurodermatitis, scratching is more or less an uncontrollable act due to the urge to scratch on the affected skin area that is usually itchy. In a means to avoid scratching, here are a few lifestyle modifications you can adopt to help improve the condition:
- Bandage or dress up the affected skin surface to protect it and also prevent scratching. This can essentially be useful, especially if you scratch during your sleep.
- Take cool baths, and you can sprinkle the bathwater with baking soda, or colloidal oatmeal, which is a finely ground oatmeal that is made for the bathtub.
- Always keep your nails trimmed, so that in case you do scratch, you will do less damage to the skin.
- Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing, and any other clothes that are soft to the skin bathwater avoid irritation.
- Use mild soaps without dyes or perfumes to bath and be sure to rinse the soap completely off your body. Thereafter, apply an unscented moisturizer to help protect your skin, especially if you have dry skin.
- Keep stress under control, since stress and anxiety can trigger itching. You can do so by engaging in relaxation techniques such as yoga or talk therapy with a psychiatrist.
- Avoid any strong detergents or substances as well as foods with acidic components as they may irritate the skin, especially if the affected surface area is on your hands.[1] [2]
Neurodermatitis And Diet
Neurodermatitis affects each body in a different way, so it is difficult to find something that works for everyone. Even in medication treatment for the condition, some treatment plans will work for some individuals, and in others, they’ll be ineffective. Most skin diseases are often associated with a damaged digestive system, so it had seemed more logical to fix the underlying cause than cover up the skin effect with anti-itch creams. To know what you can eat and avoid if you have neurodermatitis, you had a need to consult a professional who had to help you figure out a way forward.
Some of the foods that you had have to avoid are those that are virtually prepared including pizza, pasta, cake, and other foods with wheat, sauces, sugary foods such as sweets, and dairy products e.g. sausages, and opt for organic homemade meals. Basically, eat healthy foods and avoid foods that may have ingredients that may contribute to you developing the condition, or rather intensify itching. A diet change can be of importance of you have dermatitis since you can avoid anything that will stir up the condition. Needless say, you will be eating healthier foods and thus boost not only your digestive system but also your immune system.[2]
Conclusion
Neurodermatitis is usually managed using various treatment approaches that help reduce itching and scratching altogether. With the condition being skin related, it is crucial to make lifestyle modifications that will not only favor the condition but also improve on skincare. There are several over-the-counter corticosteroid creams you can apply, take prescribed drugs, as well as adopt stress-relieving techniques to help minimize neurodermatitis flare-ups. Adding to that, it is important that you keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing with ointments and creams that will also help reduce scratching and don’t irritate the skin.
Also Read:
- How Do You Get Rid Of Neurodermatitis?
- Is Eczema a Neurodermatitis?
- Is There A Cure For Neurodermatitis?
- What Causes Neurodermatitis?
- How Long Will It Take To Recover From Neurodermatitis & How Long Does The Symptoms Last?
- What Are The First Symptoms Of Neurodermatitis & How Do You Test For It?
- What Are The Ways To Prevent Neurodermatitis & Does It Recur?
